A Milestone for India’s Aerospace Ambitions

Green Aero Propulsion, a cutting-edge deep-tech startup spun out of IIT Delhi in 2023, has successfully raised $1.6 million in seed funding. The round was led by pi Ventures, with participation from Antler, underscoring a strong belief in India’s emerging aerospace and green propulsion capabilities.

Pioneering Hydrogen-Powered Engines

Founded by aerospace veteran Dr. Prithwish Kundu - formerly a research scientist at the US Department of Energy and a collaborator with NASA - Green Aero Propulsion has made history by successfully test-firing India’s first hydrogen-based aero engine core, aptly named The Blue Dragon. The company is advancing a new generation of multi-fuel, superalloy components and swirl-stabilized injectors, all created using cutting-edge additive manufacturing techniques.

Green Aero’s ambitious goal is to deliver engines that are up to twice as efficient as current global standards. Over the next 12 months, the company plans to commercialize its first small-category engine while laying the groundwork for larger, high-thrust platforms aimed at both defense and civil aviation markets.

Driving Independence and Global Impact

India has long depended on imported turbine engines for its military and civilian aircraft fleets. Green Aero Propulsion’s mission directly confronts this reliance by developing fully indigenous propulsion systems - from compact engines to future supersonic and hydrogen-powered variants. This focus not only strengthens national security and technological sovereignty but also positions India to contribute significantly to global efforts in decarbonizing aviation.

Behind this innovation lies a powerful lesson for founders: solving accepted, invisible constraints unlocks real breakthroughs. Few aircraft designers explicitly ask for hydrogen-powered engines - they often accept emissions and performance limitations as “good enough.” Green Aero identified that silent pain point and built technology to remove it, creating value that becomes essential rather than optional.

For founders, the takeaway is clear: your most impactful innovations often live in the constraints your audience has quietly accepted as unchangeable. Build solutions that remove those barriers, and adoption becomes natural - because your product feels like the only logical choice. Green Aero’s story shows how an insight-driven, constraint-focused approach can transform technology from a nice-to-have into a new standard.

Fueling Next Steps

The $1.6 million in fresh capital will be used to expand the R&D and engineering teams, establish an in-house testing facility, and accelerate go-to-market plans with pilot programs for defense and civil aviation. By investing in a robust engineering pipeline and bringing on world-class talent, Green Aero Propulsion is positioning itself to rapidly transition from prototype to operational systems.

Timing That Matters

With global aviation facing mounting pressure to reduce emissions and India intensifying its push for defense self-reliance, Green Aero’s breakthrough could not have come at a better time. The startup sits at the intersection of two urgent global trends: sovereignty in defense manufacturing and the transition to clean, hydrogen-based propulsion.

Engineering Challenges and Opportunities

Developing hydrogen-capable aero engines is no small feat. The company must overcome technical hurdles such as complex fuel storage, efficient combustion in turbulent flight conditions, and creating materials robust enough to withstand extreme temperatures and stresses. By focusing on advanced superalloys, additive manufacturing, and next-generation injector designs, Green Aero is tackling these challenges head-on and methodically.

The Road Ahead

In the short term, Green Aero plans to scale up its engineering operations, complete in-house engine tests, and launch commercial pilots for small-category engines. Over the medium term, the company will move toward developing larger, high-thrust engines suitable for supersonic jets and naval applications. In the long term, Green Aero aspires to become a leading sovereign propulsion provider, serving both domestic defense and the global aviation market.

By providing India with a homegrown, sustainable alternative to traditional turbine imports, Green Aero not only strengthens national security but also contributes to a cleaner, more resilient global aerospace landscape.

Final Thoughts

Green Aero Propulsion’s $1.6 million seed round represents more than a funding milestone - it signals a future where India leads the charge in hydrogen-powered aerospace innovation. By tackling hidden constraints and delivering a vision that feels both obvious and necessary, Green Aero is setting new standards in propulsion technology.

For founders everywhere, the story serves as a vivid reminder: true innovation lies beyond the problems people talk about. It lives in the constraints they quietly accept as unchangeable - until someone proves otherwise.